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Product Support

Data Sheets

Frequently Asked Questions

Before You Buy

There are two types of VGA cables: 14-pin and 15-pin. 14-pin cables will work in most applications, but 15-pin cables may be required for wider display compatibility. This product is a 15-pin VGA cable.

Pin 9 was removed from 14-pin cables because the key signal became obsolete with modern computer monitors and was no longer used in the default applications of the VGA standard.

However, Pin 9 has recently been reintroduced as a power supply pin to power circuity in certain displays. This pin does not power an entire display, but it is required for data communication between the display and the computer. The data communication between the display (Display Data Channel or DDC) communicates display information such as maximum resolution and the name of the display.

If you are unsure which cable type you require for your application, you can check the manufacturer specifications. Typically, computer monitors only require 14-pin cables and televisions require 15-pin cables.

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Troubleshooting

Video splitters take the output for monitor port 1 and mirror it to the remaining outputs. By default, the first output port is the master port that is mirrored to each additional monitor. Make sure that you use the first output port when you use the video splitter. The master port is labeled on the splitter boxes from StarTech.com. On the splitter cables from StarTech.com, the master port is the top port.

If you are having issues with a splitter interpreting the incorrect port as the master port, try the following:

Unplug all of the video connections.

If the splitter is powered, power cycle the splitter.

Plug in all of the video connections again.

Make sure that the first video connection plugged in is the one that you want to be the master port.

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You might encounter resolution issues when you use a video splitter. This can occur because the information and resolution on one display are being copied and sent to each of the additional displays. You should make sure that all of the displays that you are using can support the output resolution. For more information, refer to the following FAQ: https://www.startech.com/faq/video_splitters_correct_port_usage

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When you troubleshoot issues with a VGA cable, there are some quick tests that you can complete to rule out potential problems. You can test to make sure that the following components are working correctly and are not the source of the issue:

Video cables

Video source

Video destination

To test your setup components, try the following:

Use the video cables, source, and destination in another setup to see if the problem is with the components or the setup.

Use a different video cable, source, and destination in your setup to see if the problem persists. Ideally, you should test a component that you know works in another setup.

When you test your cables, it is recommended that you do the following:

Test each cable individually.

Use short cables when you are testing.

There are several issues that could be causing you to experience an issue with the color on your VGA display when you use a StarTech.com VGA cable. Issues with the color include an image that is a solid color or is missing colors (typically red, green, or blue).

To prevent issues, make sure that the following is true:

The cable is tightly screwed into each of the ports.

The female connectors/ports are free of debris or anything that may prevent electrical conductivity.

No pins are bent or missing in male VGA connectors/ports.

Note: VGA cables come in 14-pin and 15-pin variants. For more information about VGA cables, refer to the following FAQs: